Iran-backed Houthis announced they attacked Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The Houthi military spokesperson stated that the tankers Encelia and Layla were struck with missiles and drones.
Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA, citing an official, confirmed that the tanker Encelia was hit and a fire broke out on its bow. Maritime security sources also reported that Encelia was struck by a missile near the port of Jizan and issued a distress call. The claim regarding the Layla tanker has not yet been independently confirmed.
This Houthi move is being interpreted as an attempt to create a second chokepoint in global oil shipments, in addition to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Following the attacks, tanker traffic in the Red Sea was disrupted; five tankers diverted on Wednesday to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while three tankers carrying oil to China and India turned back.
Meanwhile, the US continued airstrikes on Iran for the 12th night under President Donald Trump's orders. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated they would continue to 'further degrade' Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic.
Iran, in retaliation, reported striking multiple US military sites in Jordan, including missile systems, weapons and fuel depots, as well as targets in Kuwait: Camp Al-Adiri, Ali Al Salem Air Base, Camp Doha, and Camp Arifjan.
Iranian state media reported that the Revolutionary Guards said an explosion occurred on a mined route south of the Strait of Hormuz, that one of three oil tankers caught fire and the other two turned back. The Guards announced the strait was under their full control and that no tanker would be allowed to pass without coordination with Iran.
Trump threatened to destroy a bridge or a power plant every time Iran fires on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Joint Military Command warned that if such an infrastructure attack occurs, they would target the region's oil, gas, electricity, and economic infrastructure, and would not allow 'even a single drop of oil' to be exported.
The humanitarian cost of the clashes is also rising. An Iranian Health Ministry official announced that 53 civilians have been killed and 592 injured since the end of last month. In the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28, thousands have died so far and millions have been displaced. The US military reported that 18 of its soldiers were killed and more than 450 wounded.
While Trump characterized the clashes as a 'conflict,' it is said that the war is putting pressure on Republican opponents ahead of the November congressional elections.
